A small hub for a small network
Written: May 31 '00
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Pros: More than you need for a home network.
Cons: Can be misleading if think you are getting a 100 BaseT hub
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| GreenSpleen's Full Review: NetGear SB104 Network Starter Kit Networking Hub |
I recently purchaced this product at a CompUSA. So far, it works just like a hub is supposed to work. It's kind of hard to say something good or bad about any particular networking product based on brand name. Instead, you have to look at what it is.
Thi is a 10 baseT 4 port hub. For those of you who don't know computer lingo, that's much faster than modem speeds, but it's not going to keep up with a cablemodem connection, or a T1(a direct link to the net). 4 ports mean that you can connect 4 computers, or 3, and connect the hub to another hub to expand the number of computers on your network.
The cables, and the network card that come in this package support two types of hubs. The 10 baseT that came in the kit, and a 100 BaseT. Now a 100BaseT hub is 10 times faster than a 10 Base, so you can see the difference without being a computer genius. For most home networks(especially if you are not connected to the internet faster than 56k modem) a 10 BaseT hub is just fine for what you need. You can share files, play games, whatever you wish ad still enjoy a good performance.
If this hub is for more than personal reasons, than you may want to check out getting a 100 BaseT hub. It is much better for heavy traffic networks(those where many people are transferring files at the same time, or just frequently), to have a faster connection.
Now, the dual speed of the network cards is not a complete loss. I go to college, and the dorms have a built in network which runs at 100 BaseT speed. When I am there, I don't need my hub. But over the summer, since I have 2 computers, and there are two more in the house beloging to other family members, I can connect them all. I use this for file sharing, and game playing both. I have not seen anything that made me dissapointed as far as speed, or performance goes and am quite satisfied.
Another reason I don't feel the dual speed network cards are a waste is because they are only $5 more in some cases than a single speed 10 BaseT card. There may be a time in the futer where you still have your card and need the capability for the higher speeds. For now however, all anyone will need for personal home use, but as I said before, if this is for professional use, or heavy traffic networking, get a bigger box.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 35
Driver Availability: Windows only
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Epinions.com ID:
GreenSpleen
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Member: Curt Collins
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Reviews written: 28
Trusted by: 9 members
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